Bates numbering for legal documents
Add a unique, incrementing identifier (Bates numbering) at the bottom of every page of a PDF, so you can reference each page precisely in legal proceedings or case files. 100% local processing in your browser — your file never leaves your device.
Preview of the first number: DOC000001
How it works
Bates numbering assigns each page a unique identifier made up of a fixed prefix and a number that increments from page to page, padded with zeros so it always stays the same length (for example DOC000001, DOC000002…). This tool draws that identifier at the bottom right of every page of the document.
Why use Bates numbering instead of simple page numbering?
In a legal file made up of several assembled documents, regular page numbering restarts at 1 in each file, making it impossible to cite a specific page without ambiguity. Bates numbering stays unique across all the documents in a case if you continue the numbering from one file to the next using the "starting number".
How do I continue the numbering across several PDF files?
Process your files one by one, in order, carrying over the next starting number each time: if a first 40-page PDF ends at DOC000040, start the next one with a starting number of 41.
100% local processing: the numbering is added entirely in your browser — your document is never sent to a server.